“Special To Defend Gold Medal”: VVS Laxman Ecstatic On India’s 19-run Win In Asian Games Final Thriller Against Pakistan

Nagoya, Oct 3: India put on a stellar performance against arch-rivals Pakistan to complete a golden double at the Asian Games 2026. The T20 world champions posted 211 for six in their 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61 and Tilak Varma 51 not out, before Hasan Nawaz's valiant 96 saw Pakistan come up short at 192 for six.

India made their intentions clear from the word go as they amassed 81 runs in the powerplay. However, besides India's stupendous batting, the men in blue got active support from Pakistan's sloppy fielding that saw Abhishek dropped twice. He got a third-time lucky when Pakistan's Ahmed Daniyal missed a run-out chance.

After Abhishek fell for 61 and Ishan Kishan for 20, Pakistan regained control as captain Shreyas Iyer departed for 21, leaving India at 133 for five in the 15th over.

Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube then launched a late assault, adding 62 in five overs. Varma smashed four sixes and Dube two as India surged past 200. Speaking to the media after India's win, head coach VVS Laxman, who was set to lead the India team, was jubilant with India's performance.

"It's definitely special to defend the gold medal. Two years ago, we won it in China, and now we've done it again. I feel really happy for the players because it's definitely an honour," Laxman said.

The former Indian player added that the Asian Games experience is something which is different from the World Cup. He further said he was happy that the team had stayed together and played well, despite the challenging conditions from their arrival in Japan, with rain following them from Tokyo to the venue. He added that the team had performed well overall and that he was delighted with the result.

VVS Laxman Remains Nonchalant On 19-run Win

VVS Laxman said India's 19-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 final was always expected to be a close contest, given the nature of the format. He was pleased that India managed to post 211 despite expectations of a difficult pitch, crediting the batters for adapting well to the conditions and showing intent from the very first over. He also praised the bowlers for maintaining their composure when Pakistan's batters threatened to take control of the chase.

Laxman highlighted the team's ability to execute crucial deliveries at important moments and regain momentum whenever Pakistan appeared to be building a partnership. He felt the entire Indian side deserved credit for playing to its potential, singling out captain Shreyas Iyer and the rest of the players for their contribution. Overall, Laxman expressed satisfaction with India's performance and the way the team held its nerve to secure the victory.

Tilak Varma Remains Jubilant After Asian Games Win

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma was jubilant after winning the gold medal. The left-hand batter described the moment as a 'very good feeling', adding that defeating arch-rivals makes things even more special.

Tilak said the Asian Games provided a unique experience compared to regular cricket tournaments, recalling his earlier gold medal win at the 2023 Asian Games in China.

"It's a very good feeling because in the Asian Games, whenever we win, it's always a different feeling compared to the regular tournaments we play. It's a completely different feeling, and I experienced this same feeling in 2023 in China. Winning again, especially against Pakistan as you said, is a very proud moment. So, it feels really great," Tilak said.